Help me decide!

I need your advice! This spring, I’m planning to expand my outdoor cooking setup.

Currently, I don’t have any outdoor appliances and primarily cook indoors. I often use sous vide, love making steak, and have recently started baking pizzas in my oven. My indoor stove is electric.

I’m considering various options like smokers, grills, pizza ovens, and griddles. I’ve looked into the pros and cons of each and I’m currently leaning towards a pizza oven, but I realize it might not offer as much versatility as the others.

I would love to hear what you all recommend as the best additions to an outdoor kitchen. If you have any brand or product suggestions, I’m all ears!

I don’t have a strict budget, but I’m willing to spend up to $2,000, possibly combining a few appliances.

Thanks for your help!


Comments

One response to “Help me decide!”

  1. It sounds like you’re ready to take your outdoor cooking to the next level! Each option has its own benefits, so let’s break down the choices based on your cooking preferences and potential versatility:

    1. Pizza Oven: These are fantastic if you love making pizzas, and they often reach higher temperatures than conventional ovens, providing that perfect crust. If you enjoy experimenting with different pizza styles and expect to use it frequently, it could be a great investment. Brands like Ooni and Roccbox offer excellent models well under $2,000.

    2. Grill: A good grill can offer a lot of versatility, allowing you to cook meats, veggies, and even pizza with a pizza stone. Gas grills are quick and easy to start, while charcoal enhances flavor. If you like grilling steak, a grill might be a top choice. Look into brands like Weber, Traeger, or Char-Griller for well-reviewed options.

    3. Smoker: If you’re interested in low-and-slow cooking, a smoker can add incredible flavor to meats and vegetables. While this may not align with pizza or quick searing, it could expand your cooking repertoire significantly. Look into electric or pellet smokers if you want something user-friendly – brands like Traeger or Camp Chef are notable.

    4. Griddle: Great for more than just breakfast items, a griddle can allow you to cook larger meals outdoors, and is excellent for searing steaks or stir-frying. Blackstone is a popular brand for outdoor griddles that many find versatile.

    Recommendations:

    Given your interest in both pizza and steaks, consider a combo appliance like a pizza oven & grill package. This way, you aren’t limiting yourself to one type of cooking. Brands like Ooni offer attachments for grilling, or you could consider a dual-function grill that can also bake pizzas. You might also set aside part of your budget for a small electric smoker for flavorful meats, complementing your outdoor cooking nicely.

    A possible combination you could explore is:
    A high-quality pizza oven for your pizza nights (around $300-$800).
    An outdoor grill (gas or charcoal) for versatility (around $500-$1,200).

    That way, you can enjoy both world-class pizzas and steaks, making the most of your outdoor setup.

    Happy cooking, and enjoy your outdoor culinary adventures!

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